Today on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), we celebrate the strength of LGBTIQA+ young people in the face of rising levels of discrimination and vilification, both here and internationally.
IDAHOBIT marks 34 years since the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.
But there’s still so much work to be done. Same sex relationships are still criminalised in 60 UN member states, and attacks on the right to medical treatment of trans and gender diverse young people are growing internationally.
As the world recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it’s a timely reminder many LGBTIQA+ young people’s safety and rights continue to be under threat from new forms of discrimination, hate speech, and the exclusion of trans and gender diverse young people from sport and school. We denounce this discriminatory behaviour and champion inclusion across the community.
LGBTIQA+ young people should be able to live safely without fear of abuse, violence or discrimination based on their sexuality or gender identity. Without protection of anti-vilification laws, this leaves them exposed to harm and unable to pursue legal action. We urge the Victorian and Australian Governments to rectify this with anti-vilification legislation to ensure equality and justice can be achieved.
In the face of this, LGBTIQA+ young people and communities continue to create safe spaces for support and pride, and fight for resistance. YACVic is proud of our role coordinating the Healthy Equal Youth Partners and Grants as part of our response to support all LGBTIQA+ young people.
LGBTIQA+ young people today are energetically taking the torch passed from the advocates and activists who came before them. They continue to pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive community, where LGBTIQA+ young people are valued, supported and celebrated.
As a sector, we are compelled by the Victorian Child Safety Standards, the Code of Ethical Practice and the Embracing Equality Charter. But most of all, we are compelled by rights of the young people we work with and for.
YACVic remains committed to advancing and improving the lives and rights of LGBTIQA+ young people and urges community and governments to uphold the values of equality, freedom and justice for all.
If you or someone you know is feeling unsafe and/or needs immediate support, you can contact one of these services:
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Rainbow Door: a free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing support and referrals, 10am – 5pm every day.
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QLife: free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral, 3pm – midnight every day
Media Contact: Katia Pellicciotta (she/her), YACVic Media and Communications Coordinator on 9267 3744 or KPellicciotta@YACVic.org.au
About Youth Affairs Council Victoria
Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) is the peak body and leading advocate for young people aged 12–25 and youth workers in Victoria. Our vision is that young people are active, visible and valued in their communities.